Live Thread: 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 review

Will most buyers of a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 know that the engine under the hood was built by hand? Likely not, but that's not going to stop us from enjoying the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 we've been given to review.

Instead of a large biturbo V6 or V8 previously found in AMG models, the GLC 43 makes do with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter inline-four rated at 416 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque.

4MATIC all-wheel drive–with a 31:69 torque distribution, says AMG–and a nine-speed auto work together to send that power to the road.

From a standstill, the GLC 43 can reach 60 mph in under 5 seconds, and can continue to accelerate to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Fuel economy is rated at a combined 22 mpg–19 in the city and 25 on the highway.

Comments

Colin Wood Associate Editor
6/13/24 1:00 p.m.

So, if you had the scratch, this, or something for Porsche, BMW or Audi?

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:08 p.m.

Yes, “just” a four under the hood. Did I notice when driving around town? It’s still quick. It’s not the fastest SUV, but it’s still quick for most needs.

The big thing I miss, though: the tactile switches found used by Mercedes-Benz up until recently. The old roller knob for the radio, for example, was a thing of beauty, perfectly machined from aluminum and delivering the most satisfying click as it passed each detent. I’d change the volume just because it felt so satisfying.

Now we get a slider touch-pad thing. Our 10-year-old Civic has something very similar. The experience and interaction–what makes a Rolex feel so special, for example–has been removed.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:16 p.m.

Other switches have been given similar treatment.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:17 p.m.

But not all of the switches have been changed.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:17 p.m.

What I’m lamenting: Something that made a Benz feel so special has been removed.

And that gives me the sads.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:18 p.m.

The front seats also feel narrow. I get that this is a smaller SUV, but it just feels small. Like, here’s my leg up against the center console. I have to do that with my Miata, but it’s a Miata.